As an intense fog blanketed Anfield on Boxing Day evening, the league leaders, Liverpool, extended their lead at the top of the table via an ultimately comfortable 2-1 victory over a visiting Leicester City.
The Foxes, who put up as good of a fight as they could have, led for most of the first half in spite of barely touching the ball. A sterling strike from Cody Gakpo just before halftime evened things out.
It was one-way traffic after that as the Reds put the finishing touches on a comfortable and potentially important, Boxing Day win. Let's see how the Liverpool players rated in the victory.
Alisson Becker - 6.5/10 - Didn't have a whole lot to do in this one with Liverpool controlling over 70% of possession. Will be miffed he was beaten at his near post for the Foxes lone goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6.5/10 - Not his best stuff tonight. Could not get a dangerous corner beyond the first defender if his life depended on it this evening. Macca took this role after halftime. However, inches away on a few crosses from an assist or two.
Joe Gomez - 7/10 - Just a solid pros-pro for Arne Slot in defense. Continues to fill the Konate void very well and partners VVD nicely. Showed some tidy footwork on the ball to get out of a few hairy spots.
Virgil van Dijk - 7/10 - Like much of the Reds defense, not a lot of heavy lifting was asked of the skipper this time. Cut out the balls he was supposed to and cleaned up the few breaks they created.
Andy Robertson - 7/10 - Somewhat at fault for their goal, but he recovered mentally well and was a constant threat down the left wing. Put several enticing balls into the box throughout.
Alexis Mac Allister - 7.5/10 - Showed his ability to handle multiple roles once again as he was snapping into tackles in the first half before creating Liverpool's second just after the half.
Curtis Jones - 8/10 - A fine display from Jones as he popped up all over the attacking third in this one. Was tidy on the ball and linked well with the forwards before his astute attacking run got him his goal.
Ryan Gravenberch - 7/10 - A fine performance from the Dutchman. His opportunities to break up any play were limited with Liverpool on the ball so often, but still made his presence felt in this one.
Mohamed Salah - 8.5/10 - Capped off another confident display with an outrageous curled far-post finish to secure the points. Could have had a second but hit the crossbar and created some chances for others.
Darwin Nunez - 6.5/10 - Worked hard because of course he did. Came inches away from scoring in the second half after Salah put him through but the keeper's strong hand kept it out.
Cody Gakpo - 9/10 - The Man of the Match for me. His great far post hit got things going and he was a threat all night long. Great over-the-top ball for his assist on Salah's goal. Playing so well this season.
SUBS:
Dominik Szoboszlai - 6/10 - Did not offer much aside from getting booked meaning he misses the West Ham match.
Diogo Jota - 6/10 - Barely saw the ball after coming on so minimal impact.
Kostas Tsimikas - N/A - Nice short runabout.
Wataru Endo - N/A - Sometimes his aggression in tackles needs to be tempered.
Harvey Elliott - N/A - An even shorter runabout.